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European Commission president condemns settlements

RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) — European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso says Mideast peace is still a top priority, and it cannot become an "orphan" of the upheavals taking place in the Arab world.

Barroso visited the Palestinian territories Sunday and met with Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad. He said he knew that international attention has been focused on the changes taking place in the Arab world but said these should encourage peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians, not deter them.

He said it was important neither side undermine a two-state solution — Israel next to a Palestinian state. He said he was concerned about Israeli settlement construction in the West Bank. Palestinians refuse to resume peace talks while construction proceeds in the settlements.

On Monday, Barroso will meet with Israeli leaders.

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